Meet the female presidential candidates in the 2023 DRC Elections

The critical role women play in elections cannot be underestimated. However, despite the proliferation affirmative action legislation, women representation in African politics continuous to decline per recent elections monitored by the African Elections Project (AEP).

Although Article 13 of the 2022 electoral law paved the way for gender parity, the current political landscape in DRC paints a different picture. Out of the 24 candidates contesting for the presidential elections, only 2 of them are women. They are Marie-Josée Ifoku Mputa and Joëlle Bile.

The low representation, despite legal advances, highlights the persistent challenges women face in navigating the DRC’s political landscape.

There is therefore the need to put the few women who put themselves up for elections in the spotlight. This is why with few days to the general elections in Congo, the AEP puts a spotlight on the female presidential candidates contesting in the election.

This article focuses on the two female candidates, providing insights into their backgrounds and articulating their vision for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Marie Josée Ifoku Mputa

Marie-Josée Ifoku Mputa, 58, is an economist and politician. Her political career began in 2015 when she became the deputy special commissioner of Tshuapa Province. She later advanced to the position of vice-governor and eventually served as the governor of Tshuapa Province from 2016 to 2017. In 2018, she made a significant impact by running as the sole female presidential candidate in the presidential election.

In her 2023 campaign, Ifoku Mputa is championing the empowerment of women and youth, pledging to make their voices heard and their talents utilized.

Ifoku strives to bring about change and break with the historical cycle of predation in the political landscape of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Joëlle Bile

Joëlle Bile, 51, is a journalist, entrepreneur and women's rights activist.

She promises to address the stigmatization and stereotypes faced by women in Congolese politics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts to address gender issues in all facets of society, including families, schools, and churches.

Committed to constitutional principles of gender parity, Bile envisions a more equitable and inclusive society, stressing the vital role of women in political life and calling for collective mobilization to ensure fair representation in decision-making bodies.

She also promises to ensure social justice, improve national security, and educational reforms.

After publishing this article, Joëlle Bile pulled out of the race and threw her support behind President Felix Tshisekedi.

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